Moving Across the World

   Hi! I'm Nicholas Choo and this is a story about my life. I was born and raised in Singapore so when my family moved to Portland, Oregon. Immediately everything that I had known in my life was taken away from me. I was apprehensive, even though I had visited America many times. My school in Singapore had over 4,000 students while my new school in Portland only had 300. Coming in as an 8th grader didn't help either since the majority of people had been going to school together since the 6th grade. I thought the transition would be scary and worried if would make friends like I had in Singapore. However, I was amazed at the seamless ease of my move. 

   Generally speaking, my transition was all made easier for me because I quickly became apart of a supportive community that consisted of: new and caring friends, encouraging teachers and coaches, and my supportive family. All this made the transition much easier for me. Although I had worried about not fitting in, the students at my school were immediately accepting of me, and were even curious about Singapore. I felt accepted and supported. I now had two communities helping me grow: all my friends and family back in Singapore, and all my new friends and family in the United States. My old community helped mold me into the person I am today. Likewise, my new community helped me adapt to new situations and continues to help me grow. 

   I have always been encouraged to do my best in any situation. So, in a new environment, I can learn from the community and know that people that care for me will back me up. Through my move to the United States, I realized that I can be a chameleon; I can change and adapt to a new situation. I don’t need to be afraid. I must look to help make changes easier for others and in turn I will fit in, adapt, and grow. I have learned that we must all learn from each other and support each other in any new environment.

   

   This story played an important role in my life as it relayed the powerful and important message that I have to remain confident and optimistic when facing something new in my life. It has allowed me to succeed in new opportunities that have been given to me, and has changed the way I think in crucial ways. This is why moving from Singapore to America is not just a event that happened in my life, but an experience that has radically changed it.